Saving money getting to LaPaz

Take a look at the price. This is why I’m flying to San Jose del Cabo and busing – to save money.

There are often cheaper ways to travel, if you’re willing to hunt around.

Recently, I outlined how I came to purchase airfare to Mexico for a scuba diving trip in October.

I’m diving in La Paz, a 3-hour drive from San Jose del Cabo. SJD is home to the state’s large tourism-focused international airport. An airport served by many airlines. The airport I’ve elected to use. La Paz also has a airport. It’s smaller, but would be more convenient.

Doesn’t get me all the way to my destination, but a lot cheaper.

There’s the catch. I’ll need to spend a night in San Jose del Cabo and take a bus to La Paz. Here’s the cost breakdown in CDN dollars.

Airfare: $490.91.

Cab fare to downtown San Jose Del Cabo hotel: $20 or city bus: $4.

One night hotel in San Jose del Cabo: $73 (Walking distance to bus station and La Paz bus the following day.)

La Paz bus fare return to San Jose del Cabo: $40

Total: $624 CDN, if I take a cab from the airport. $604, if I take the city bus.

Price to fly directly to La Paz:

Airfare: $815 (two stops each way – longer travel time than flight to SJD with one stop)

Hotel: $140 (for an extra night, in hotel where I’m booked for the remainder of my stay).

Airport transfers: $30

Total: $985 CDN

I’ll pay for convenience when it makes sense. In this case it doesn’t. Firstly, the difference in price is staggering. Secondly, I’m looking forward to the bus ride – during day time hours – so I can see more of Baja California’s countryside.